La Magnolia Launches in Singapore: Discovering the Heart of Friuli at Golden Ocean
A new Italian wine story arrives in Singapore.
Some of Italy’s most compelling wines come from places that remain quietly distinctive.
At our recent DV Club Events evening at Golden Ocean Restaurant, we were delighted to officially launch La Magnolia in Singapore, introducing guests to a family-owned winery rooted in Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and shaped by generations of connection to the land.
The evening offered a first taste of La Magnolia’s wines, followed by a journey to Piedmont with Tenuta Olim Bauda, all paired with a selection of Korean cuisine.
The Story Behind La Magnolia
La Magnolia is, first and foremost, a family story.
The estate’s roots date back to the 1960s, when Cristina Cozzarolo’s father, Guido, planted the first vines. Today, Cristina is the owner of La Magnolia, carrying forward the family’s legacy and deep connection to the land.
The estate is located in Spessa di Cividale, in the heart of the Friuli Colli Orientali, where the family’s passion for wine has continued to evolve across generations.
The winery takes its name from the centuries-old magnolia tree that has stood alongside the family and estate for generations.
As Cristina describes it, she grew up in the shade of this magnificent tree, with her father instilling in the family a deep love for the land and respect for its people.
That connection to place is central to the La Magnolia philosophy.
The winery describes its voice as “Questo Friuli”, a simple expression of its belief that every bottle should carry the aromas, flavours and character of its territory.
A Family Estate with a Modern Vision
The estate has grown considerably since its beginnings, while remaining firmly rooted in its family heritage.
Cristina’s brother Claudio, a talented oenologist, played an important role in the winery’s development. His experience helped the family combine traditional winemaking practices with modern oenological knowledge and technology.
His legacy lives on through two of La Magnolia’s distinctive wines, Ubi Que and Ubi Es, which form part of the estate’s special Ubi collection.
Ubi Que, meaning “everywhere”, reflects the family’s desire to create a wine that carries the spirit of La Magnolia beyond its home in Friuli. It is an expressive wine that speaks to the estate’s creativity and Claudio’s contribution to the winery.
Ubi Es, meaning “wherever you are”, is the most personal wine of the collection. Created in memory of Claudio, it was conceived as a way for the family to keep his memory alive. It is a generous and complex red with the structure and character to develop beautifully with age.
It is a beautiful reminder that wine can carry more than flavour. It can carry memory, family and a sense of place.
The La Magnolia Wines
The Singapore launch introduced guests to four wines from the La Magnolia portfolio.
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Ribolla GiallaOne of Friuli’s signature varieties, Ribolla Gialla is known for its freshness and lively acidity. It is a natural starting point for discovering the region’s white wine identity. |
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FriulanoA classic Friulian variety, Friulano brings more texture and a subtle almond character alongside its freshness and mineral edge. La Magnolia recommends it with everything from San Daniele prosciutto and fresh cheeses to fish and white meats. |
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Ubi QueA refined blend of Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Malvasia and Picolit, Ubi Que is elegant and expressive, with notes of pear, almond, citrus and white flowers, lifted by fresh minerality and a long, delicate finish. |
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Ubi EsA harmonious blend of Merlot and Schioppettino, Ubi Es is rich and expressive, with ripe blackberry and blackcurrant, hints of cinnamon and spice, and supple tannins. Well-rounded and complex, it finishes with depth and elegance. |
Together, the four wines offered guests a glimpse into both sides of La Magnolia: the freshness and precision of Friulian whites, and the depth and emotion found in its red wines.
From Friuli to Piedmont
After discovering La Magnolia, guests continued their journey through Northern Italy with two wines from Tenuta Olim Bauda.
The Barbera d’Asti DOCG Le Rocchette 2022 offered bright fruit and vibrant acidity, while the Nizza DOCG Riserva 2020 brought greater structure, depth and complexity.
The contrast was particularly enjoyable: fresh, mineral-driven Friulian wines alongside the lively, structured character of Piedmontese Barbera.
Wine Meets Korean Cuisine
The wines were paired with Korean BBQ, Salmon & Live Flounder Sashimi and Kimchi Pancake, creating an opportunity to explore the versatility of Northern Italian wines beyond traditional pairings.
The La Magnolia whites were naturally suited to the seafood, where their freshness and minerality kept the palate lifted.
The Barbera wines, with their vibrant acidity and generous fruit, stood up beautifully to the richness and savoury flavours of Korean BBQ.
A New Chapter for La Magnolia in Singapore
The evening marked more than the launch of four new wines.
It was the beginning of La Magnolia’s story in Singapore.
From a family’s first vines in the 1960s to a modern estate deeply connected to its Friulian roots, La Magnolia represents a style of Italian winemaking that is personal, expressive and unmistakably tied to its land.
We are proud to welcome La Magnolia to Singapore and look forward to sharing its wines, story and spirit with our customers, collectors and hospitality partners.
Here’s to discovering “Questo Friuli” in Singapore.